Taking it easy

WRITTEN BY CRYSTAL SANDS

Located on 237 square miles of mountains and forested land, Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument offers something for everyone who loves nature and the great Maine outdoors. Always a hiker and lover of nature, I was devastated last year when health problems kept me from summer and fall hikes, but as I make progress in my health, my longing for Maine’s nature has me interested in beautiful hikes that wouldn’t be too difficult for me as I work to get my health back and my feet under me. 

While there are certainly some fantastic challenging hikes for more advanced hikers in the Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument, I was pleased to learn there are easier hikes as well. So, if you are like me and have had some health struggles or are hiking with children who are not yet able to handle more strenuous hikes, there are many options available for easy hikes that allow you to enjoy nature and take in some of the scenic views within Katahdin Woods and Waters. 

Elise Goplerud, the Education Coordinator for Friends of Katahdin Woods & Waters, said, “With over 50 miles of trails, Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument is a wonderful place for hiking and offers many hikes that highlight the beauty of the land without too much challenge.” 

Some easy hikes to consider include the Lynx Trail, Deasey Pond Trail, and Orin Falls. The Lynx Trail is very short at .2 miles and is ADA accessible. Goplerud said she has seen moose and beaver from the viewing platform on this trail. Both the Deasey Pond Trail and Orin Falls hike are longer and not ADA accessible but still not strenuous hikes. The Deasey Pond trail is just over a mile and does have a slight elevation but ends with a view of beautiful Deasey Pond. The Orin Falls hike is a bit more challenging and is listed as a moderate hike, rather than easy, but this may be because of the length. It is six miles round trip but is a flat, wide trail, and if the water levels are high, the falls are spectacular. 

Another longer hike with a wide, flat trail without many obstacles is the International Appalachian Trail to Stair Falls or Haskell Rock. Both of these hikes are listed as easy hikes at the Katahdin Woods and Waters site. They are each about 4 miles round trip, and Goplerud emphasized they are both “mellow” hikes. 

Goplerud also emphasized the importance of using the Katahdin Woods and Waters site at nps.gov/kaww/planyourvisit/hiking-at-katahdin-woods-and-waters.htm to check for the ease level of any trail. 

If a hiking trail is marked as easy, there are certain things visitors can expect. 

“These trails are more accessible, with relatively flat or gently rolling terrain, well-marked paths, and shorter distances. Many of them have minimal elevation gain and avoid technical features like steep scrambles or rocky sections,” Goplerud said. 

While it’s important to be prepared any time you head out on a hike, if you are recovering from health issues or hiking with little ones, being prepared and knowing where you are going is critical. Wearing sturdy shoes, bringing plenty of water and snacks, and downloading maps are all good strategies. Because cell phone service is spotty at the monument, Katahdin Woods and Waters recommends a GPS, especially for longer trips, and downloading trail maps, which can be viewed on your phone even if you are offline. In the summer, bug protection is a must, and during hunting season, wearing blaze orange is important. 

Even if you are not the most experienced hiker, there is so much at Katahdin Woods and Waters to explore and enjoy. Learning about easier hikes gives me hope that I can spend this summer and fall back in nature — which is good for both my physical and mental health.